MPs are meeting today (15 November 2021) to debate tougher sentences for hit-and-run drivers who cause death, coinciding with the first day of Road Safety Week.

According to Brake, there are an estimated 100 or more cases of hit-and-runs every day across the UK

According to road safety charity Brake, there are an estimated 100 or more cases of hit-and-runs every day across the UK, and those that result in deaths or serious injuries cause untold heartache to families, and also to the emergency services who can’t get there in time to save lives.

The debate is being run by the Petitions Committee after an online petition, which attracted more than 104,000 signatures, pointed out that the maximum penalty for causing death by careless/dangerous driving is a custodial sentence of 5-14 years but this falls to 5-10 points and a six-month sentence for failing to stop after a fatal collision.

A separate petition, which has more than 167,000 signatures, has called for a wider definition of ‘death by dangerous driving’ and says it should include failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.

Commenting ahead of the debate, Brake’s chief executive, Mary Williams, said: “On the first day of National Road Safety Week, it is no coincidence that this important debate is happening in Parliament, and no surprise that the petition that preceded it has had so many signatures.”

She continued: “People are dying in agony due to the selfish behaviour of lawless drivers who flee the scene of crashes. Penalties for such appalling behaviour should be tough, making it clear to all drivers involved in crashes that it is vital to stay, call the emergency services, and help as much as possible. This will send the message to society that road deaths matter as much as homicides and terrorism, and lives can be saved by swift action.”

Brake said the Government’s move to explore options regarding justice in hit and runs was appropriate for Road Safety Week, which is about celebrating the work of road safety heroes who are speaking up for road justice.

“In line with the recommendation in the Safe Roads for All report this summer, submitted by Brake and other road safety experts to the Department for Transport, the Government has an opportunity to review road traffic laws and sentencing guidelines and their impact on victim families and close loopholes like this one that re-traumatise families who expect justice, and don’t get it,” Williams added.